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Date:         Wed, 9 Jan 2013 09:52:41 -0800
Reply-To:     neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Front End Suspension - 1985
Comments: To: Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CA+Spi22+D8ucPnDVwq6LRjBWejpxsUFvAxJArfEbUPfTPbGT7A@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

For upper control arm bushings I used: large vice, steel plate, pipe, possibly socket. Vice is press, plate supports pipe for removal then backs up big end of bushing for install. Remove all tack weld material from bushing so it doesn't interfere with removal.

Lower arm: threaded rod, pipe, socket to R&R bushings. I found these more challenging to R&R than uppers but it was doable.

Lower ball joint requires access to a proper press or dedicated type of tool. Check archives. IIRC, Paul Guzyk posted a link to images/text of how he did. I sent mine to shop. Irony: he used a BFH and pieces of pipe. Find a place with a proper press.

Clean frame surfaces where radius arm bushings meet frame. It's easy to miss leftover material from old parts. Leaving old material will likely cause lip of one bushing not to seat far enough into hole.

some pics: https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/FrontEndWork

Also check Alistair Bells blog!

If you have the old style radius rod......

be VERY careful of the 3 arm nuts. A page I wrote up: https://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/frontsuspension bottom line: make sure threads are clean, turn each nut a little at a time (they're locking nuts). You DON'T want to snap one off. Seriously.

More stuff on front end work I did: https://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/vanagonmaintenanceandrepair

Outer tie rod ends may very well be seized. If they look old/rusty or are loose, buy entire new assemblies (has inner/outer). Like VC wants $40 for this. http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1357688467512/page_158_316/tie_rod_assemblies.html

As usual, YMMV and I'm an amateur, but these were my experiences.

Neil.

On Wed, Jan 9, 2013 at 8:05 AM, Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@gmail.com> wrote:

> So here is my list - Have I missed anything? > > Upper and lower control arm bushings > Upper and lower Ball Joints > Front Shocks > Stabilizer Link bushings > Radius Arm Bushings > Tie Rods and Tie Rod ends > Stabilizer Bar washer plate > Radius Arm Bushing seat > > I saw the link posted recently fromt he Been There Done That site re: the > control arm bushings so that will be a big help. However, is there anything > else your collective wisdom says I should be careful of or whatch out for? > > Is there any reason I shouldn't do this work myself (with the aid of the > Bently and assistance from a friend who is a certified master mechanic)?

-- Neil n

65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp

'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.

'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco" http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines


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